Neoclassical Footstools
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
1820s French Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Fabric, Beech
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Velvet, Beech
1820s American Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Upholstery, Mahogany
1890s French Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Fruitwood, Paint
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Fabric, Mahogany, Paint
1780s Italian Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Giltwood, Wood, Upholstery
Early 20th Century North American Neoclassical Footstools
Hardwood
2010s American Neoclassical Footstools
Mahogany
1880s Swedish Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Ash
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Wood
1950s American Vintage Neoclassical Footstools
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Footstools
Iron
Mid-20th Century Polish Neoclassical Footstools
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Polish Neoclassical Footstools
Bouclé, Beech
1930s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Footstools
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Neoclassical Footstools
Stainless Steel
2010s American Neoclassical Footstools
Oak
1880s English Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Oak
1880s English Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Upholstery
Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s American Neoclassical Footstools
Upholstery, Oak
Late 20th Century European Neoclassical Footstools
Leather, Wood
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Footstools
Wood, Wool, Faux Leather
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Textile, Wood
1860s French Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Fabric, Mahogany
20th Century French Neoclassical Footstools
Metal
20th Century American Neoclassical Footstools
Fabric
1980s North American Vintage Neoclassical Footstools
Upholstery, Wood
1810s Swedish Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Linen, Upholstery, Birch
1990s American Neoclassical Footstools
Cowhide, Wood
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Giltwood
2010s American Neoclassical Footstools
Brass
1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Walnut
19th Century Antique Neoclassical Footstools
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Footstools
Iron